Nirmala Sitharaman Archives

05 Dec

Lok Sabha Approves New Cess on Demerit Goods to Boost Health and Defence Funding

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiadefence budget India, Health Security National Security Cess, Lok Sabha, Nirmala Sitharaman

New Delhi, December 5, 2025: The Lok Sabha on Friday passed the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025, clearing the way for additional revenue from products such as pan masala to support India’s defence and public health requirements. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while replying to the debate in the House, said the cess is essential for meeting modern defence needs and for strengthening state-level health systems.She said that public health is a state responsibility while national defence is handled by the Centre, making it necessary to create dependable sources of funding. She emphasised that items categorised as demerit…

29 Oct

Sitharaman, EU Trade Committee Discuss Boosting India-EU Economic Ties

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaEuropean Parliament, India-EU trade, INTA Committee, Nirmala Sitharaman

New Delhi, October 29, 2025: Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met members of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade Affairs (INTA) in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss strengthening trade and investment relations between India and the European Union.The discussions aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation and identifying new avenues for mutual economic growth. According to the Ministry of Finance, both sides explored ways to expand trade partnerships and promote investment flows that support long-term economic resilience.“Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman met the Committee on International Trade Affairs #INTA from the European Parliament…

09 Oct

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Seeks Centre’s Approval for ₹17,075 Crore Urban, Water, and Energy Projects

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaNirmala Sitharaman, Pushkar Singh Dhami, urban infrastructure, Uttarakhand

New Delhi, October 9, 2025: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss key projects aimed at upgrading urban infrastructure, water resources, and energy systems across the state.Dhami highlighted the growing pressure on urban areas and emphasized the urgent need to modernize drainage systems in districts prone to heavy rainfall. He informed the Finance Minister that Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) worth ₹8,589.47 crore have been prepared for stormwater drainage improvements in ten districts and requested approval under the Special Assistance Scheme for Capital Investment to States.The Chief Minister also…

08 Aug

Government Withdraws Income-Tax Bill, 2025; Revised Version to be Introduced on August 11

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, IndiaBaijayant Panda, Income-Tax Bill 2025, Lok Sabha, Nirmala Sitharaman

New Delhi, August 8, 2025 — The Central Government on Friday formally withdrew the Income-Tax Bill, 2025 from the Lok Sabha, paving the way for a revised draft that will incorporate extensive recommendations from the Parliamentary Select Committee. The motion for withdrawal, moved by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, was passed by the House despite uproar from Opposition members.The decision follows a comprehensive review of the Bill by a 31-member Select Committee chaired by BJP MP Baijayant Panda. The panel had presented its findings on July 21, the opening day of the Monsoon session. Over several weeks of deliberations and consultations…

13 Feb

Manish Tewari Slams New Income Tax Bill, Calls It More Complex Than Existing Law

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, IndiaIncome Tax Bill 2025, Manish Tewari, Nirmala Sitharaman

New Delhi, February 13, 2025: Congress MP Manish Tewari on Thursday criticized the Income Tax Bill, 2025, arguing that despite Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s claims of simplification, the proposed legislation is more complex than the existing tax framework. He pointed out that while the current Income Tax Act, 1961, has 296 sections, the new bill expands to over 500 sections. Additionally, the previous law contained five schedules, whereas the new bill includes 14, further complicating the tax structure instead of streamlining it.The government has defended the bill, emphasizing that it is designed to reduce litigation, simplify language, and improve…

13 Feb

Nirmala Sitharaman to Introduce Income Tax Bill, 2025, in Parliament on February 13

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, IndiaIncome Tax Act 1961, Income Tax Bill 2025, Indian tax reforms, Nirmala Sitharaman

New Delhi, February 13, 2025: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will introduce the much-anticipated Income Tax Bill, 2025, in Parliament on February 13. The proposed legislation seeks to replace the outdated Income Tax Act, 1961, which has grown increasingly complex over the decades due to numerous amendments. If passed, the new law will come into effect from April 1, 2026, ushering in a streamlined and modernized tax system. The bill will be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance for further discussion and consultations.The need for a new income tax law stems from the fact that the current Income…

09 Feb

New Income Tax Bill to Be Introduced in Parliament on Tuesday: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

nishuthapar10 CommentsBusiness, IndiaIncome Tax reforms, Indian Parliament, New Income Tax Bill 2025, Nirmala Sitharaman, tax simplification

NEW DELHI, February 9, 2025: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to introduce the new Income Tax Bill in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, marking a significant step towards overhauling India's tax framework. The bill, which aims to simplify and streamline existing tax laws, is expected to be referred to a parliamentary standing committee for detailed examination. “I hope to have it introduced in Lok Sabha in the coming week,” said Sitharaman after the RBI board meeting. Once introduced, the bill will undergo a multi-step legislative process, starting with its referral to the standing committee for recommendations. Following the committee’s…